
I sometimes hear or read sentences like “He predominately goes to that Starbuck’s.” That word is a mouthful, and because it sounds so much like predominantly, it’s no surprise the words get mixed up.
While the meanings of the two words are nearly identical, there is a rationale for the differentiation.
- Predominate: to hold advantage in numbers or quantity; to exert controlling power or influence
- Predominant: having superior strength, influence or authority; being most frequent or common.
Predominate is best used as a verb, though historically it has also been used as an adjective. Predominant, however, is always used as an adjective. Both words are formed from the root dominate, for which verb and adjective usages are clearer. Continue Reading…